The JIMU Robot App, which communicates with the robot via Bluetooth, has 3D modeled instructions that guide through each step of the building process. The app makes setup and uses extremely intuitive. One really neat feature about this kit is that a child can create a custom robot creation. Instead of only allowing one or two predesigned builds, the kit allows for your own designs. Regardless of whether you go with one of the two predesigned bots or a custom robot, the high-torque servo motors make the robot’s movements more natural. The UBTECH JIMU Robot Builderbots Kit is appropriate for kids ages 8 and up. It comes in packaging that’s extremely well organized, with each part separated and well-labeled. For a droid, it’s extremely expressive as well, and accepts voice commands if you don’t have your smartphone handy. It’s the perfect engine for your kid’s imagination, and doubles as a perfect way to amuse your nerdy friends over cocktails. And because it’s officially licensed by Disney, there’s an exacting level of authenticity and attention to detail: this droid looks like it rolled straight off the big screen. Loaded with programmable LEDs and buttons, IR receivers and transmitters, potentiometers and dual motors, three proximity sensors, three microphones and speakers, three processors and sensor fusion, real-time Bluetooth, and two powered wheels, Dash can perform a number of tasks. Kids can expand Dash’s abilities with a sketch kit for making art, a bulldozer blade, a projectile launcher, costumes, a xylophone, and even an adapter to connect LEGO building bricks for truly custom robot builds. The Dash robot has been used in over 20,000 schools across the U.S. to help make computer and robotics science fun for kids. Wonder Workshop also offers children the chance to take part in the Wonder League, where they can share ideas and participate in Wonder Workshop Robotics Competitions. The little robot is controlled by a dedicated iOS or Android app to teach the basics of coding and programming. The mBlock Blockly app uses a scratch-based programming application, so many kids are already familiar with this type of coding. Older kids can use the more advanced mBlock software (Windows/macOS/Linux/Chrome) to program their bot. Both the mBot and dedicated software are not only great to play with at home, but elementary school teachers can use them in the classroom for hands-on learning. The Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 contains 847 pieces to build five different robots: Vinnie the Robot, a semi-functioning guitar, Frankie the Cat, a multi-tooled rover car, and an automated assembly line robot that actually builds miniature structures out of legos. Each of the robots is increasingly difficult, so the large kit keeps kids engaged. The child controls each build with the dedicated Boost app on (select) iOS, Android, Kindle, and Windows 10 smartphones or tablets. The app uses an icon-based coding interface to build upon basic coding and programming lessons and then introduce more advanced concepts. Kids can combine the Boost Creative Toolbox with the LEGO City Arctic Scout truck and the NINJAGO Stormbringer to create even more robot builds and obstacle courses. The Toolbox comes with a playmat that allows your kids to do specific activities like path tracing. The EV3 kit is compatible with all LEGO build sets, so your kids can make truly unique builds, obstacle courses, or target ranges. The bots are controlled by a dedicated app that works with both iOS and Android mobile devices. The robots can be programmed to walk, talk, and even think. There are more advanced features on the EV3 software for Windows and Mac computers, so kids can learn more complex coding lessons and parents can keep older kids and teens interested. Kids, parents, and teachers can visit the Mindstorms website to download building guides for additional robots, programming, and coding tutorials, and access to the thriving online community to share ideas and robot creations. Each robot build features clear body panels so kids can see how the motor drives gears and shafts in order to make the unit move. Each build also utilizes a basic “face” to help give the robots a personality that kids can connect and have fun with. If you have older kids who have a basic understanding of engineering and are looking to build upon that, the Discovery Kids Mindblow 12-in-1 Solar Robot kit is just what they need. The kit comes packaged with a game cartridge included to show you the basics of how to use each of the builds. The motorbike handles are also compatible with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for more immersive playing experience. Kids and parents can use the Toy-Con Garage software to create new ways to use the kit’s builds or use cardboard and other household objects to create your own Toy-Con objects. You can customize each build with paint, markers, stickers as well as other Labo kits for truly unique builds. There are 10 challenge cards with specific goals to help kickstart your child’s imagination, and each challenge can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to build to provide hours of fun. One challenge might say, “invent a tool that can cut a piece of paper,” and another could say something like, “make a ride for one of your toys.” The child can also come up with their own inventions and creations. The Tinkering Labs Electric Motors Catalyst kit comes with all the tools your kids need to get started, including safety glasses to reinforce basic lab safety procedures. Like the Makeblock mBot kit, the Electric Motors Catalyst kit is great for playing with at home, and also a useful classroom tool for hands-on engineering lessons. Patrick Hyde has a master’s degree in history and 4+ years’ writing experience. His work has appeared in Los Angeles Review of Books, Reactual, Rawkus, Waremakers, and more. He has previous experience as an editor at Health Fitness Revolution and is a marketing communications manager.
What to Look for in Robotics for Kids:
STEM features - Robots are fun, but let’s face it: A lot of the reasoning involved in splurging on a toy like this is for STEM learning. Different robots and robotics sets have varying levels of STEM; some focus primarily on building a robot, some focus primarily on controlling the bot, and others focus on a combination of building and controlling the robot. If you specifically want your child to learn about coding, electronics, engineering, and robotics, it may be better to choose a kit that teaches how to build and control a robot. If you want to focus on electronics and engineering, you can save a bit of cash and opt for a kit that focuses primarily on the building process. If you just want to teach coding, a pre-built robot the child can control will work fine for that purpose. Age level - The age of your child plays an important role in what kind of robot would best suit them. While you don’t want a robotics project that’s so complex that it will frustrate a child, you might also want to consider a robot that will grow with them if your child is young. Some robots offer basic features at the beginning with room to expand later. If your child is already old enough to learn to code, a more advanced robotics project is probably a better option. Customization- If a robotics kit only builds one simple robot that only performs one or two basic functions, a child will probably get bored rather quickly and lose interest. The best kits allow for a degree of customization—more than one build and several programming options. This way, a child can build one project, program the robot to perform various functions, and then build another bot.
